Commuting - safe riding tips that don't reference laws?

hello all,

there are many guides around with tips for commuting safely, but i can't seem to find one that doesn't start with the suggestion that you follow the law. that somewhat compromises the credibility of the guide, for me (i break the law every day, running red lights when there's nobody around, etc..).

many of these guides go on to give useful advice which often i do choose to follow. however, it is difficult for me to evaluate the advice when i am not confident in the guide.

it is hard to put myself in the motorists' shoes when i don't drive. i would like a resource with tips from city drivers on how to be a pro-social commuter. and of course i would like advice from veteran urban cyclists.

i live in pittsburgh and would even pay for classes here if someone were to offer a "real world" commuter safety class. i understand there's a liability issue but i don't see why i couldn't sign something beforehand.

please no one flame me for running red lights. i am trying to make a serious effort here to be safe and polite on my bike, but following all traffic laws is not something i am going to do voluntarily.

thanks.

I wouldn't expect much in the way of safety then.

Lights? Although that is connected to the laws in most cities. I rode with a poor quality cheap halogen when I first got back on the bike. Quickly realized how faulty that was. Invest in a decent front and rear set that will make you visible. I've been quite happy with the Fenix brand as well as a Serfas light I picked up at my bike shop with a strobe mode.

Bell? Again probably connected to a law but having something to announce yourself to pedestrians and other cyclists has been good for me on occasion.

I think in general you are going to have a hard time finding safe riding tips that aren't connected to the local laws. Hand signals? Riding on the proper side of the road?

politicalgeek, all good tips. i'm not a newbie though, and am reasonably safe and polite. however i think there's always room to improve. i have questions. for example, on a wide one-way with city buses, do we ride on the left or right? i go with left, but i would like to hear arguments for both.

Plan and expect the worst from motorists. Hopefully, you are pleasantly surprised when it does not happen.

I deal with one ways like that. In general, I stick to the right and pretty much take that lane. Considering most municipalities have a slow traffic to the right law, I think it makes sense to stay on the right. Easier to be in the right (according to the law) in case of a traffic accident. If I turn onto a one way with the intention of turning left onto another street within a pretty reasonable distance, then I'll take the far left lane so I don't have to try and play frogger across 4-5 lanes.

sure, i like the right side, too, because it's the "slow lane" and drivers are less impatient over there. however, as a matter of respect for the passing city buses, i use the far left.

in fact, if i turn onto a wide one way with city buses with the intention of making a quick right, i still go all the way over to the left, and then get off the road and cross with the light. perhaps i should make a deal with a grizzled commuter to shadow him/her. i really want to be the best i can be but i want to minimize the "learning the hard way."

How about this one- never sit at the end of a line of cars at a stop light. Who is the first person to be rear-ended? Answer the person at the end of the line. I filter up so that I am not the last in the line.

The Art of Cycling: A Guide to Bicycling in 21st-century America

I've read some of this book. It contains the kind of information you are looking for. The author stresses vigilance and taking personal responsibility for your own safety while bicycling (On a side-note, I believe the author has posted here on bikeforums before).

thanks mawtangent!

please no one flame me for running red lights. i am trying to make a serious effort here to be safe and polite on my bike, but following all traffic laws is not something i am going to do voluntarily.

thanks.

:mad:

The Art of Cycling: A Guide to Bicycling in 21st-century America

I've read some of this book. It contains the kind of information you are looking for. The author stresses vigilance and taking personal responsibility for your own safety while bicycling (On a side-note, I believe the author has posted here on bikeforums before).

Yes I recommend this also, best cycling book I've read. I would suggest just reading around though, even some of the Vehicular stuff has merit. I've read Cyclecraft from the Uk recently http://www.cyclecraft.co.uk/ which is good for cycle instructors.

At the end of the day though it's about what works on your commute.

please no one flame me for running red lights. i am trying to make a serious effort here to be safe and polite on my bike, but following all traffic laws is not something i am going to do voluntarily.


I'm sure you'll appreciate every other vehicle operator on the road adopting the same attitude. :rolleyes:
I've been commuting by bike for over 30 years...the only reason to break a law is if complying puts you at risk. If you wanna break the laws for convenience, at least be honest enough to admit that you ain't no better than the other drivers and STFU when you think about getting angry at them for disregarding the laws for convenience themselves.

I highly recommend Hurst's book, The Art of Cycling.

:popcorn:

If you decide to ignore certain laws that is your choice, however I don't see how recommending that you follow the laws invalidates the rest of the advice in a given guide.

I would regard any tip as a recommendation rather than a "must do" because more than likely there will be situations where following a given tip would not be the best choice.

I think of laws in the same way. Traffic laws are intended to keep things moving, to promote predictability, and to keep people safe. That doesn't mean following the letter of the law is always the right thing to do, but in general it is.

Not that sitting at red lights is something you do, but I don't filter to the front. I commute with basically the same drivers, day in and day out. Since the cars waiting at the light just went around me, if I force them to move over and pass me again, I think it is only breeding ill-will.

You'll love JoeyBike's how-to video on running red lights safely: http://www.vimeo.com/2626739


Also here's a corny video on riding like a vehicle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU4nKKq02BU&feature=related

I'm sure you'll appreciate every other vehicle operator on the road adopting the same attitude. :rolleyes:
I've been commuting by bike for over 30 years...the only reason to break a law is if complying puts you at risk. If you wanna break the laws for convenience, at least be honest enough to admit that you ain't no better than the other drivers and STFU when you think about getting angry at them for disregarding the laws for convenience themselves.
The Art of Cycling.


Although I do basically agree with chipcom, the OP has been honest and open, and hasn't been angry at cardrivers in his posts. His/Her request not to be flamed/criticized seems to be humble, fair and to be respected, imo. He is obviously aware of the personal risk he takes with his riding attitude but doesn't want the thread to be sidetracked from the original questions which he simply clarified by describing his attitude to the law. (all IMO, hope this was ok OP?)

Are you guys serious. Do you really come to a complete stop at each and every stop sign? Use signals on each and every turn? never cut through a parking lot or alley? Dismount and walk at any point that you have to go on a sidewalk?

I can not believe that you guys are not aware that bicycles are not cars, they are bicycles.

Are you guys serious. Do you really come to a complete stop at each and every stop sign? Use signals on each and every turn? never cut through a parking lot or alley? Dismount and walk at any point that you have to go on a sidewalk?

I can not believe that you guys are not aware that bicycles are not cars, they are bicycles.

I thought they were walnuts ;)

I don't come to a complete stop at each and every stop sign in my car, nor do I signal EVERY turn. I've certainly driven through alleys and parking lots though I've rarely done so as a way to avoid traffic. Sometimes I even exceed the speed limit. I do dismount from my car to go on a sidewalk.

I don't run lights in my car and I don't run them on my bike. I don't think being on a bike gives me any more right to pick and choose which laws apply to me than being in a car does. I understand that if I break a traffic law, I run the risk of getting fined, or even worse, causing harm to myself or someone else.

I do think think both drivers and cyclists should behave in a predictable manor.

Are you guys serious. Do you really come to a complete stop at each and every stop sign? Use signals on each and every turn? never cut through a parking lot or alley? Dismount and walk at any point that you have to go on a sidewalk?

I can not believe that you guys are not aware that bicycles are not cars, they are bicycles.

Complete stop? Depends. On the side roads, I gear down and slow to a near stop and check traffic in both directions. If there is cross traffic, complete stop. If none, then I keep going.

Turn signals? The majority of the time. I ride a lot of the side roads, so I often don't have traffic behind me. In those cases I don't signal. When I have traffic behind, opposite or on a side street then I signal my attention.

Parking lots and alleys? Sure, sometimes it's easier to cut through. But I drive alleys on occasion in my car so what is the difference.

Dismount on the sidewalk? Again depends. Rarely, if ever do I ride on the sidewalk here. About the only time I might be on the sidewalk is to park and lock the bike. Usually I find an empty space on the street and pull over to get off and walk to the rack.

Are you guys serious. Do you really come to a complete stop at each and every stop sign? Use signals on each and every turn? never cut through a parking lot or alley? Dismount and walk at any point that you have to go on a sidewalk?

I can not believe that you guys are not aware that bicycles are not cars, they are bicycles.

According to the laws of many states, bicycles are vehicles and subject to the same laws as motor vehicles. with some exceptions/additions specific to bikes.

If you are going to operate a vehicle on the road, do so according to the rules of the road and applicable traffic laws, just as you expect other vehicle operators to do. A very basic principal that allows multiple users of the road to operate SAFELY is PREDICTABILITY - everybody working from the same set of rules.

Yes, there are some differences in rules for different classes of vehicles...but I do not recall one (cept for Idaho) that exempts a bike from stopping for traffic lights.

If you are going to operate a vehicle on the road, do so according to the rules of the road and applicable traffic laws, just as you expect other vehicle operators to do. A very basic principal that allows multiple users of the road to operate SAFELY is PREDICTABILITY - everybody working from the same set of rules.
Actually, "predictability" derives from everybody doing what you expect them to do, not from everybody doing the same thing. There's an important distinction.

Actually, "predictability" derives from everybody doing what you expect them to do, not from everybody doing the same thing. There's an important distinction.

I agree...that is what I meant by 'working from the same rule book'.

It is ironic tho...on the one hand we advocate the value of predictability, but on the other, I always recommend planning for Murphy and expecting the unexpected. ;)

learn by riding

My advice: Make yourself as visible as possible, but assume that drivers don't see you.

I can't tell you how many cyclists I see riding on roads wearing dark jerseys, with no reflective gear or lights, even when it's dark outside. I passed a couple of guys the other day at 8:45 pm riding on a winding road that gets A LOT of traffic with vehicles pulling boat trailers. I had my headlights on and needed them, yet I come around a corner and there was a cyclist wearing a black jersey with no lights in the middle of the lane. I swear, some cyclists either have a death wish or zero common sense.

hello all,

there are many guides around with tips for commuting safely, but i can't seem to find one that doesn't start with the suggestion that you follow the law. that somewhat compromises the credibility of the guide, for me (i break the law every day, running red lights when there's nobody around, etc..).

many of these guides go on to give useful advice which often i do choose to follow. however, it is difficult for me to evaluate the advice when i am not confident in the guide.

it is hard to put myself in the motorists' shoes when i don't drive. i would like a resource with tips from city drivers on how to be a pro-social commuter. and of course i would like advice from veteran urban cyclists.

i live in pittsburgh and would even pay for classes here if someone were to offer a "real world" commuter safety class. i understand there's a liability issue but i don't see why i couldn't sign something beforehand.

please no one flame me for running red lights. i am trying to make a serious effort here to be safe and polite on my bike, but following all traffic laws is not something i am going to do voluntarily.

thanks.


Here's one... The League of American Bicyclists' "Smart Cycling" educational program. In fact, they rolled out a new campaign about two weeks ago publicizing their "Rules of the Road"...

http://www.bikeleague.org/resources/better/roadrules.php

Guess what Rule # 1 is? Follow the Law.

The League has a network of nationally certified instructors who teach traffic, transportational, and utility cycling. In each course, from half to two-thirds of the training is hands-on, or should I say, "butts-on" the bike, on the roads in the place where you live or at least where the course is being taught. The basic class is 9 hours on basic bike care, traffic laws and skills, and hazard avoidance. There's a follow-on course of three hours that focuses specifically on commuting, including at night and in bad weather. I can't always promise actual bad weather to practice in during the commuter class, but I do take you out riding in the dark during that course...

In Pittsburgh, there's a good number of instructors you can get in contact with:
http://www.bikeleague.org/cogs/resources/findit/?courses=1&instructors=1&state=PA&submit.x=33&submit.y=8

If you make a habit of running stop signs and red lights, you're gonna get hit. Eventually. Might be on the way home this afternoon; might be next week, might be next year or the year after. But one of these days your luck won't work. Make sure your burial insurance is paid up, because eventually you will need it ;-)

Are you guys serious. Do you really come to a complete stop at each and every stop sign? Use signals on each and every turn? never cut through a parking lot or alley? Dismount and walk at any point that you have to go on a sidewalk?

I can't recall ever being in a situation where I "had to go on a sidewalk."

I can't recall ever being in a situation where I "had to go on a sidewalk."

You obviously don't live in NJ. There are some sections of road here that are very hard to avoid, but would be dangerous to ride on. Hopefully very, very short ones.

You obviously don't live in NJ.

True, but I do ride in NJ from time to time. Though, admittedly, mostly in the rural areas of South NJ and at the shore, which are probably not the areas you're talking about.

I am so tempted to put together a simple list of do's and don'ts but I'm not sure I have the time - I like to be thorough and I'm afraid I'd leave something out. Once I started road biking I learned some lessons pretty quickly. It only takes one mistake at an intersection or stop sign to teach you that lesson. Whether you survive the lesson is another story. I suspect since you've been riding you already know a few things. Can you be more specific with what you want to know? Also - it would help us if we knew how old you are. 10? 15? 19? 23?

This page is very good: How to Not Get Hit by Cars: important lessons in Bicycle Safety (http://bicyclesafe.com/)


The next most common bike safety advice after "wear a helmet" is "follow the law," but most people are already aware that it's stupid to race through a red light when there's cross traffic. So the "follow the law" advice isn't that helpful because it's too obvious. What you'll find here are several scenarios that maybe aren't that obvious.

http://blogs.tampabay.com/breakingne...th_death_2.jpg (http://blogs.tampabay.com/breakingnews/images/2008/07/19/pt_291763_roth_death_2.jpg)

http://sportscracklepop.com/wp-conte...st-crash-3.jpg (http://sportscracklepop.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/cyclist-crash-3.jpg)

http://www.streetsblog.org/wp-conten...8150701pop.jpg (http://www.streetsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/08_13/bikeaccident08150701pop.jpg)

http://www.naparstek.com/uploaded_im...ain-787269.gif (http://www.naparstek.com/uploaded_images/deadagain-787269.gif)

http://media.insidetoronto.topscms.c...61494dacb.jpeg (http://media.insidetoronto.topscms.com/images/0c/b8/23628e5c44f98f5908761494dacb.jpeg)

Complete stop? Depends. On the side roads, I gear down and slow to a near stop and check traffic in both directions. If there is cross traffic, complete stop. If none, then I keep going.

Turn signals? The majority of the time. I ride a lot of the side roads, so I often don't have traffic behind me. In those cases I don't signal. When I have traffic behind, opposite or on a side street then I signal my attention.

Parking lots and alleys? Sure, sometimes it's easier to cut through. But I drive alleys on occasion in my car so what is the difference.

Dismount on the sidewalk? Again depends. Rarely, if ever do I ride on the sidewalk here. About the only time I might be on the sidewalk is to park and lock the bike. Usually I find an empty space on the street and pull over to get off and walk to the rack.

Exactly

Wow this forum can be a sleeper. Lots to read now!

Just get out there and ride. You'll figure out what works for you.

I can't recall ever being in a situation where I "had to go on a sidewalk."

And I hope you never end up riding in a place where you have to... But assuredly, those places DO exist.

I can think of a couple bridges in the L.A. area, and a particular 55mph section with no shoulder in my former hometown... You'd be playing a modified form of Russian Roulette to "take the lane" in those instances.

Yet, some posters have equated using the sidewalk (for short distances) or even a bike lane as some form of surrender - or a lack of manhood/womanhood. Or maybe they think those folks are just not brave enough to be REAL cyclists.

There are exceptions to every rule. And it takes wisdom and experience to find them. 99% of the time riding on the sidewalk is ill-advised... But when the time comes I hope you'll know it and make the prudent choice.

Be a visible, predictable, careful and aware as possible. Respect everyone; trust no one. Oh, and have fun out there...

According to the laws of many states, bicycles are vehicles and subject to the same laws as motor vehicles. with some exceptions/additions specific to bikes.


more correctly drivers of bicycles are subject to the same laws as drivers of vehicles

I can't recall ever being in a situation where I "had to go on a sidewalk."

Things must be very different in PA, here the bike racks are generally on the sidewalk. If the sidewalk is crowded I will dismount and walk to the rack, or thing I plan to lock to, otherwise I will ride to it (assuming it is a short distance, otherwise I will just dismount and drag the bike over the curb and walk the rest of the way).

Sometimes I have to roll up to a pole to hit the walk button to get the traffic lights to start cycling so I can go through an intersection.

I will generally (again assuming that the sidewalk is not crowded) roll up to the benches at the bus stop I use, I would estimate it is about three or four meters.

I really can not conceive of using a bicycle in the part of Northern CA that I am in and never have my tires touch a sidewalk. PA must be different, if it works for you that is great.

Go as fast as you possible can and don't worry about being aware of your surroundings. Drivers will look out for you.

Go as fast as you possible can and don't worry about being aware of your surroundings. Drivers will look out for you.

That, of course, is the other extreme. Somewhere between "pretend you are an automobile" and "ride like an idiot" is the truth.

I can't recall ever being in a situation where I "had to go on a sidewalk."

I do. If I'm not mistaken, it involved many, many pints of beer! :D

:beer:

A very basic principal that allows multiple users of the road to operate SAFELY is PREDICTABILITY - everybody working from the same set of rules.
I don't think I want to work from the same rule book that you do.

OP: I also run red lights, don't come to a complete stop at stop signs, cut through parking lots, and don't feel that I'm a menace on a bicycle. Sometimes I jump from street to sidewalk if I determine that it's safer to do so than remain on the road (and yes, there are many instances where I ride where it's safer to ride on a sidewalk).

Best advice I can give is to be constantly aware of everything that is happening in your vicinity (I'm constantly scanning for a as far as I can see in every direction). Knowing what's going on around you can help you avoid putting yourself in possibly dangerous situations.



I can not believe that you guys are not aware that bicycles are not cars, they are bicycles.
BINGO! The "bikes should abide by the car rules" pundits should take heed to this. Bicycles should NOT abide by rules meant for cars because bicycles are NOT cars. The physical attributes and characteristics of a bicycle dictate that automobile rules are not appropriate. It's about time that politicians realized this too.

Very interesting debate, but I thought I was in the commuting forum, not A&S.

bicyclesafe.com looks to be extremely practical -- good linkin' !

bike league seems well-intentioned, but exactly the kind of conservative advice that you can find from any other authority. (it's cool that they do on-road classes though!)

other thoughts i had were on the local law enforcement here: they are reasonable. i have made eye contact with policemen while breaking the law riding in a sensible way. in fact, i think they know better than average drivers about appropriate cycling behavior. unfortunately, i couldn't ask a cop if i had a question, because they are required to say "obey the law." same goes for the local advocacy group (bike pgh).

how about feedback? the number of days gone by without being honked at should be a rough measure of how well i'm doing. unfortunately, i have found this depends mostly on the time of my commute with respect to rush hour, and not my actual behavior. do you guys have a better way to evaluate feedback?

thanks for all your responses folks!

oh, and the person who asked me how old i am, what difference does it make?

I
BINGO! The "bikes should abide by the car rules" pundits should take heed to this. Bicycles should NOT abide by rules meant for cars because bicycles are NOT cars. The physical attributes and characteristics of a bicycle dictate that automobile rules are not appropriate. It's about time that politicians realized this too.

I'll agree in part. One of the things I love here is when the road's get closed for festivals, parades or charity runs. Cops always wave the cyclists past the barricades.

I'll still ride, the majority of the time, like I drive. I have rarely had a bad experience with a driver and I think a lot of it is my riding style. Driver's don't have to get frustrated when they drive behind me. They can see my turn signals and know my intentions. They can see me ride in a relatively straight line at a fixed point on the road which is going to make passing me easier. They can see me because I ride with lights.

Ride however you like, just don't come back complaining about the stupidity of driver's when one hits you.

I don't think I want to work from the same rule book that you do.



Kewl, so you won't mind every single user of the road going by their own rules as well. WTF, let's party!
:rolleyes:

"Did I just buzz you? ...sorry dude, but in my world the bigger vehicle makes the rules, you should get out of my way"

"Officer, yes, I hit the cyclist...but in my world cars have the right of way at all stops...he is at fault for not obeying my rules"

"Playing smack the cyclist with my car door and seeing if who can launch one the farthest, is legal in my rules"

I can't tell you how many cyclists I see riding on roads wearing dark jerseys, with no reflective gear or lights, even when it's dark outside.

I've noticed the same thing where I live. Do they think they are already visible enough or not care if they are visible?

Kewl, so you won't mind every single user of the road going by their own rules as well. WTF, let's party!
:rolleyes:
Hmmm... I don't see where I said that anywhere.



"Did I just buzz you? ...sorry dude, but in my world the bigger vehicle makes the rules, you should get out of my way"

"Officer, yes, I hit the cyclist...but in my world cars have the right of way at all stops...he is at fault for not obeying my rules"

"Playing smack the cyclist with my car door and seeing if who can launch one the farthest, is legal in my rules"
WTF are you going on about?

There's no point in having a discussion about what and how the rules should be applied if this is the way that you're going to carry on.

wcoast, that's the fallacy of false analogy.

it usually means he/she has no substantial argument :)